I did some heinous stuff in the past. Should I even try to date?

I think the harm is having this in my history.

I wasn't abusive or manipulative, but I feel like someone will look at this and only see that they were below an age of consent and I knew that and still decided to talk to them. That that's abusive and manipulative on its face and that nothing between us could have been consenting (and I feel gross thinking it was not). I feel like anyone I'd want to date would see this as me violating someone and never want to have anything to do with me again, or if they did they'd just be an accomplice in hiding a sex crime.

I just want to feel normal somehow but with this behind me I fear like I'll always feel dirty.

/r/relationships Thread Parent